Social Media for Social Change (Part II) with Keenan Wellar, May 3, 2011
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Transcript of Social Media for Social Change (Part II) with Keenan Wellar, May 3, 2011
“Social Media for Social Change”
It only sounds scary, please come in!
WE VALUE THE ENVIRONMENT SO THERE ARE NO PAPER HANDOUTS I WILL GIVE YOU ANY INFORMATION YOU WANT FROM THIS
PRESENTATION. HOWEVER, GIVEN IT IS ABOUT SOCIAL MEDIA, I AM GOINGTO FORCE YOU TO CONTACT ME TO GET IT
IN-SESSION & POST-SESSION TWEETS APPRECIATED PLEASE USE TAG
#sm4sc @keenanwellar @getbuzzed @volunteerottawa
LiveWorkPlay founded in 1995, a
collaboration with family members,
people with intellectual disabilities,
teachers, professionals
Registered charity, full-time operation 1997
Government support in 2001 (currently 55% of revenues)
Affiliate of Community Living Ontario 2007
Currently equivalent of 9 full-time staff, 120 volunteers
(not including dedicated family members)
Partners in C3 Centre, shared space, capacity-building agencies
Focus on non-staff-centered housing, authentic volunteerism,
authentic employment, and social capital through building of networks
Supporting the development and growth of People First
Acquired 7
condominium
units In 2008
Directly support
65 people
A little about Keenan and technology “Not a geek by nature”
Unsurprisingly, many sector organizations have turned to sites such as Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and others as a fast and efficient way to connect with interested parties and gather a virtual membership, if not some actual volunteers. In fact, one of the most influential organizations on the Canadian scene, Imagine Canada, has been intensively using social networking over the last two years. During a recent interview, Marnie Grona, marketing and communications director with Imagine, told CharityVillage that to her social networking was "like word-of-mouth...on steroids." Grona is the "dedicated" staffer for social networking at Imagine, which she says she enjoys immensely as she "has an aptitude" for it, even if it adds to her already full plate of responsibilities, she quips. "One of the things [sector organizations] should do is to have somebody who takes ownership" of the social networking portfolio, she counsels. "You have to adjust your communications strategy for each [social network] channel, because each will have its own audience, who in turn will use and share information a little differently." For Grona, the major benefit derived from tapping into the rapid-fire world of social networking is that it comes at virtually no direct financial cost. "We're moving from the monologue to the dialogue." Of course, it does take time to master and to integrate it with other communications channels for maximum effectiveness, Grona cautions. "But it's been a great way to get our message out there...to have conversations with people. Instead of a one-way monologue [of messaging], we can talk with people so they know what we do and what they think about us and what's going on in the sector. We're moving from the monologue to the dialogue." This is probably an apt way to sum up the revolution happening in sector communication strategies across the nation. From small to large organizations, nonprofits are actually talking with - instead of talking at - the populace.
PEOPLE OR MACHINES? “FOR ME THE CHOICE IS EASY”
Is your organization engaged in marketing?
How well is your organization positioned in the competitive world of social marketing?
Do you have an integrated social media strategy?
How can social media help improve the rest of your marketing and communications work?
Are you concerned with outputs or outcomes?
Social media is an opportunity to both enhance and
challenge your organization’s mission-oriented pursuits!
Looking at how survey respondents use commercial social networks, the most popular role is: 1) traditional marketing—to promote the non-profit’s brand, programs, events or services—with 92.5% of survey respondents indicating this role as the purpose of their presence on commercial social networks.
2) the second most popular role is for fundraising (45.9%).
3) program delivery (34.5%)
4) market research (24.3%)
Non-profits looking to start using social media as a marketing tool will find a wealth of sound advice online, but putting the pieces together into a solid strategy? That's the real challenge. No one simple strategy will work for every nonprofit group. (In fact, trying to give step-by-step "one size fits all" directions for using social media is a lot like trying to teach a shy first-time party guest how to mingle with strangers.)
Posted January 6, 2011 by Social Media Club
Social media for social change: not possible without a supporting organizational culture
You may have heard the buzzword
AUTHENTICITY
associated with social media discussions.
It’s not a buzzword. The harsh reality is that you will FAIL if your
social media strategy lacks authenticity!
Do as I ask, not as
I do?
That’s a really
“bad ask” ensuring
social media
failure!
“I think a lot of the demographics that we’re gearing toward might not be your typical Facebooker or tech-savvy person. Maybe the younger crowd and students for sure, but older prospective volunteers don’t use that tool, and a lot of our clients don’t use that as a tool,” she explained, noting that the agency is busy enough without maintaining Facebook and Twitter pages.
If you have decided not to use social media, be sure you know WHY you aren’t, and be sure you have the knowledge to back it up!
Honesty is the best policy. There is nothing wrong with: “We don’t understand it well enough yet to use it with confidence, but we are working on it” (as long as you are!). Don’t make up excuses that will leave you with virtual egg on your face!
Unsurprisingly, many sector organizations have turned to sites such as Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and others as a fast and efficient way to connect with interested parties and gather a virtual membership, if not some actual volunteers. In fact, one of the most influential organizations on the Canadian scene, Imagine Canada, has been intensively using social networking over the last two years. During a recent interview, Marnie Grona, marketing and communications director with Imagine, told CharityVillage that to her social networking was "like word-of-mouth...on steroids." Grona is the "dedicated" staffer for social networking at Imagine, which she says she enjoys immensely as she "has an aptitude" for it, even if it adds to her already full plate of responsibilities, she quips. "One of the things [sector organizations] should do is to have somebody who takes ownership" of the social networking portfolio, she counsels. "You have to adjust your communications strategy for each [social network] channel, because each will have its own audience, who in turn will use and share information a little differently." For Grona, the major benefit derived from tapping into the rapid-fire world of social networking is that it comes at virtually no direct financial cost. "We're moving from the monologue to the dialogue." Of course, it does take time to master and to integrate it with other communications channels for maximum effectiveness, Grona cautions. "But it's been a great way to get our message out there...to have conversations with people. Instead of a one-way monologue [of messaging], we can talk with people so they know what we do and what they think about us and what's going on in the sector. We're moving from the monologue to the dialogue." This is probably an apt way to sum up the revolution happening in sector communication strategies across the nation. From small to large organizations, nonprofits are actually talking with - instead of talking at - the populace.
Are your volunteers connected with your reason for being?
Unsurprisingly, many sector organizations have turned to sites such as Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and others as a fast and efficient way to connect with interested parties and gather a virtual membership, if not some actual volunteers. In fact, one of the most influential organizations on the Canadian scene, Imagine Canada, has been intensively using social networking over the last two years. During a recent interview, Marnie Grona, marketing and communications director with Imagine, told CharityVillage that to her social networking was "like word-of-mouth...on steroids." Grona is the "dedicated" staffer for social networking at Imagine, which she says she enjoys immensely as she "has an aptitude" for it, even if it adds to her already full plate of responsibilities, she quips. "One of the things [sector organizations] should do is to have somebody who takes ownership" of the social networking portfolio, she counsels. "You have to adjust your communications strategy for each [social network] channel, because each will have its own audience, who in turn will use and share information a little differently." For Grona, the major benefit derived from tapping into the rapid-fire world of social networking is that it comes at virtually no direct financial cost. "We're moving from the monologue to the dialogue." Of course, it does take time to master and to integrate it with other communications channels for maximum effectiveness, Grona cautions. "But it's been a great way to get our message out there...to have conversations with people. Instead of a one-way monologue [of messaging], we can talk with people so they know what we do and what they think about us and what's going on in the sector. We're moving from the monologue to the dialogue." This is probably an apt way to sum up the revolution happening in sector communication strategies across the nation. From small to large organizations, nonprofits are actually talking with - instead of talking at - the populace.
Canadians were some of the earliest adopters of Facebook and the passionate
love affair continues!
Facebook Best Practices: Authenticity
“If you don’t want to associate
identity with the
product or service you’re
trying to promote,
Facebook is not for you.
Inherent in the current state
of Facebook is a culture of
transparency that devalues
and ignores inauthenticity.”
- Justin Smith, The Facebook Marketing Bible
Waste of time? Do you know if your
other communications and marketing
strategies are actually working? Well,
with social media, you will know with
extreme accuracy!
Unsurprisingly, many sector organizations have turned to sites such as Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and others as a fast and efficient way to connect with interested parties and gather a virtual membership, if not some actual volunteers. In fact, one of the most influential organizations on the Canadian scene, Imagine Canada, has been intensively using social networking over the last two years. During a recent interview, Marnie Grona, marketing and communications director with Imagine, told CharityVillage that to her social networking was "like word-of-mouth...on steroids." Grona is the "dedicated" staffer for social networking at Imagine, which she says she enjoys immensely as she "has an aptitude" for it, even if it adds to her already full plate of responsibilities, she quips. "One of the things [sector organizations] should do is to have somebody who takes ownership" of the social networking portfolio, she counsels. "You have to adjust your communications strategy for each [social network] channel, because each will have its own audience, who in turn will use and share information a little differently." For Grona, the major benefit derived from tapping into the rapid-fire world of social networking is that it comes at virtually no direct financial cost. "We're moving from the monologue to the dialogue." Of course, it does take time to master and to integrate it with other communications channels for maximum effectiveness, Grona cautions. "But it's been a great way to get our message out there...to have conversations with people. Instead of a one-way monologue [of messaging], we can talk with people so they know what we do and what they think about us and what's going on in the sector. We're moving from the monologue to the dialogue." This is probably an apt way to sum up the revolution happening in sector communication strategies across the nation. From small to large organizations, nonprofits are actually talking with - instead of talking at - the populace.
As Nenshi said in this interview with The Calgary Herald, the most important thing about social media isn’t to use it as a new way to bombard people with press releases, but to “further the conversation.” "We're using the same tools as everyone else," says the candidate. "It's how we're using them and the message we're getting out that's very different. We use social media to really engage with people in detail, to actually talk to them. Where Alderman McIver seems to use these things as news release tools, for instance, I regularly answer people's questions and further the conversation.“
How about a non-white Muslim mayor of Calgary with no previous political experience? He’s Naheed Nenshi! His victory will be discussed and analyzed for years to come but there is little doubt that much like President Obama he successfully mobilized large numbers of voters who were previously disinterested in politics. Can’t we do the same for Community Living? Can’t we at least try?
Survey, conducted by Sage North America, found that 70% of the non-profit organizations surveyed in the US and Canada recognize social media as either very or somewhat
important to their organization. Of the 45% who haven't adopted it, the main reason cited was being unsure of its relevance and advantages to the organization.
Topham puts it more bluntly. "Charities are absolutely terrified of it," he says. "They're terrified of letting go of control of their message." What organizations need to realize, he continues, is they never had control in the first place, nor should they want to. To be effective, though, messages need to be robust, adaptable and simple. The real terrifying thing, he adds ironically, is realizing no one is talking about you. "Then you're in real trouble."
IT’S NOT HARD TO FIGURE OUT THAT SOME PEOPLE ARE NOT EXCITED ABOUT USING SOCIAL MEDIA...
IS RESISTANCE FUTILE? OR MAYBE RESISTANCE IS
DANGEROUS!?
Net-Gen | Millennials
Generation Y | Native Digitals
We mostly know them as “young people” but most non-profits
don’t know nearly enough about them and what it takes to
engage them.
A lot of non-profit organizations are having membership, staff, volunteer, and board renewal issues. Young people are not
disinterested in your cause – just your out-of-date marketing and
unwelcoming processes!
DANGER #1: TELLING YOUNG PEOPLE YOU DON’T WANT THEM!
Tuesday, February 15, 2010 How Nonprofit Groups Need to Adjust to a 'Networked’ World Shawn Ahmed, here in a rural village in Bangladesh, is a “free agent” social activist. By Allison Fine and Beth Kanter
Shawn and others like him are smashing headfirst into nonprofit fortresses—organizations with high walls and wide moats that work very hard to keep insiders in and outsiders out. We witnessed this collision firsthand during a session we led this spring at a technology conference, where Shawn poured out his frustration with traditional organizations. He grabbed the microphone to address the room full of nonprofit executives and said, “The problem isn’t social media, the problem is that you are the fortress. Social media is not my problem: I have over a quarter million followers on Twitter, 10,800 subscribers on YouTube, and 2.1 million views. Yet despite that, I have a hard time having you guys take me seriously. I get dismissed as 'just a guy on YouTube.’” Fortresses work hard to keep their communities and constituents at a distance, pushing out messages and dictating strategy rather than listening or building relationships. And that is the model of how nonprofit organizations have historically worked in the United States [and Canada]: They are organized and financed as solo entities, each starring in their own Sisyphean tragedy, rolling their own boulder up the hill, alone, every day.
It’s Not Just About
Gen Y!
The Digital
Universe Is Expanding And People
Of All Ages Are Getting
Out There!
Even My
Mom And Dad!
Traditional Media
Not What It Used To Be
Background Research Could Be Wikipedia
The Assignment Editor Is Watching
For Tweets And Facebook Updates
The Reporter Has Only Minutes
For The Story
DANGER #2: YOUR OLD MEDIA FRIENDS ARE VANISHING!
Wikipedia – now utilized by more than 60% of reporters and news editors! You should be there!
Just be sure to tell the truth and back it up...
If your voice is not “out there” then someone else will fill that void. You are not a leader in your field unless you are seen to be a leader – to any market segment that might be
important. By the time you realize a threat to your cause from an opposing view it will be too late to try to build your reputation and establish a counter-presence!
DANGER #3: SOMEONE ELSE TAKES OVER BECAUSE YOU AREN’T THERE!
Unsurprisingly, many sector organizations have turned to sites such as Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and others as a fast and efficient way to connect with interested parties and gather a virtual membership, if not some actual volunteers. In fact, one of the most influential organizations on the Canadian scene, Imagine Canada, has been intensively using social networking over the last two years. During a recent interview, Marnie Grona, marketing and communications director with Imagine, told CharityVillage that to her social networking was "like word-of-mouth...on steroids." Grona is the "dedicated" staffer for social networking at Imagine, which she says she enjoys immensely as she "has an aptitude" for it, even if it adds to her already full plate of responsibilities, she quips. "One of the things [sector organizations] should do is to have somebody who takes ownership" of the social networking portfolio, she counsels. "You have to adjust your communications strategy for each [social network] channel, because each will have its own audience, who in turn will use and share information a little differently." For Grona, the major benefit derived from tapping into the rapid-fire world of social networking is that it comes at virtually no direct financial cost. "We're moving from the monologue to the dialogue." Of course, it does take time to master and to integrate it with other communications channels for maximum effectiveness, Grona cautions. "But it's been a great way to get our message out there...to have conversations with people. Instead of a one-way monologue [of messaging], we can talk with people so they know what we do and what they think about us and what's going on in the sector. We're moving from the monologue to the dialogue." This is probably an apt way to sum up the revolution happening in sector communication strategies across the nation. From small to large organizations, nonprofits are actually talking with - instead of talking at - the populace.
Tweet Tweet! Are people talking about you? What if they are? What if they aren’t? What if you have no idea?
Learn More From
Social Media
Non-Profit Trainers
Like Beth Kanter!
For Free!
http://beth.typepad.com
Rome was not built in a day and neither is a social media strategy!
Keenan Recommends:
Start With These
and
NOT ALL AT ONCE!
Pick One, Do It Well
1
Unsurprisingly, many sector organizations have turned to sites such as Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and others as a fast and efficient way to connect with interested parties and gather a virtual membership, if not some actual volunteers. In fact, one of the most influential organizations on the Canadian scene, Imagine Canada, has been intensively using social networking over the last two years. During a recent interview, Marnie Grona, marketing and communications director with Imagine, told CharityVillage that to her social networking was "like word-of-mouth...on steroids." Grona is the "dedicated" staffer for social networking at Imagine, which she says she enjoys immensely as she "has an aptitude" for it, even if it adds to her already full plate of responsibilities, she quips. "One of the things [sector organizations] should do is to have somebody who takes ownership" of the social networking portfolio, she counsels. "You have to adjust your communications strategy for each [social network] channel, because each will have its own audience, who in turn will use and share information a little differently." For Grona, the major benefit derived from tapping into the rapid-fire world of social networking is that it comes at virtually no direct financial cost. "We're moving from the monologue to the dialogue." Of course, it does take time to master and to integrate it with other communications channels for maximum effectiveness, Grona cautions. "But it's been a great way to get our message out there...to have conversations with people. Instead of a one-way monologue [of messaging], we can talk with people so they know what we do and what they think about us and what's going on in the sector. We're moving from the monologue to the dialogue." This is probably an apt way to sum up the revolution happening in sector communication strategies across the nation. From small to large organizations, nonprofits are actually talking with - instead of talking at - the populace.
“Ottawa's Race Weekend (May 28th - 29th) is a popular event each year (http://www.ncm.ca/). Andrea and I are interested in
training with a team of LiveWorkPlay members to participate in this fun event - either by walking or jogging the 2K, 5K, 10K, or half marathon.”
Social Media “Loss Of Control” Can Be A Great Thing
Reuse, Recycle, Reciprocate...Reputation!
Unsurprisingly, many sector organizations have turned to sites such as Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and others as a fast and efficient way to connect with interested parties and gather a virtual membership, if not some actual volunteers. In fact, one of the most influential organizations on the Canadian scene, Imagine Canada, has been intensively using social networking over the last two years. During a recent interview, Marnie Grona, marketing and communications director with Imagine, told CharityVillage that to her social networking was "like word-of-mouth...on steroids." Grona is the "dedicated" staffer for social networking at Imagine, which she says she enjoys immensely as she "has an aptitude" for it, even if it adds to her already full plate of responsibilities, she quips. "One of the things [sector organizations] should do is to have somebody who takes ownership" of the social networking portfolio, she counsels. "You have to adjust your communications strategy for each [social network] channel, because each will have its own audience, who in turn will use and share information a little differently." For Grona, the major benefit derived from tapping into the rapid-fire world of social networking is that it comes at virtually no direct financial cost. "We're moving from the monologue to the dialogue." Of course, it does take time to master and to integrate it with other communications channels for maximum effectiveness, Grona cautions. "But it's been a great way to get our message out there...to have conversations with people. Instead of a one-way monologue [of messaging], we can talk with people so they know what we do and what they think about us and what's going on in the sector. We're moving from the monologue to the dialogue." This is probably an apt way to sum up the revolution happening in sector communication strategies across the nation. From small to large organizations, nonprofits are actually talking with - instead of talking at - the populace.
Not using commercial
social networking
websites like Facebook
and YouTube?
Good for you, you must have
one of the world’s greatest
non-profit websites!
Unsurprisingly, many sector organizations have turned to sites such as Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and others as a fast and efficient way to connect with interested parties and gather a virtual membership, if not some actual volunteers. In fact, one of the most influential organizations on the Canadian scene, Imagine Canada, has been intensively using social networking over the last two years. During a recent interview, Marnie Grona, marketing and communications director with Imagine, told CharityVillage that to her social networking was "like word-of-mouth...on steroids." Grona is the "dedicated" staffer for social networking at Imagine, which she says she enjoys immensely as she "has an aptitude" for it, even if it adds to her already full plate of responsibilities, she quips. "One of the things [sector organizations] should do is to have somebody who takes ownership" of the social networking portfolio, she counsels. "You have to adjust your communications strategy for each [social network] channel, because each will have its own audience, who in turn will use and share information a little differently." For Grona, the major benefit derived from tapping into the rapid-fire world of social networking is that it comes at virtually no direct financial cost. "We're moving from the monologue to the dialogue." Of course, it does take time to master and to integrate it with other communications channels for maximum effectiveness, Grona cautions. "But it's been a great way to get our message out there...to have conversations with people. Instead of a one-way monologue [of messaging], we can talk with people so they know what we do and what they think about us and what's going on in the sector. We're moving from the monologue to the dialogue." This is probably an apt way to sum up the revolution happening in sector communication strategies across the nation. From small to large organizations, nonprofits are actually talking with - instead of talking at - the populace.
Ignoring the elephant in the room?
If you build it, they won’t come.
In order to host
a party, you need friends.
Developing
relationships online requires the same types
of reciprocal efforts!
Unsurprisingly, many sector organizations have turned to sites such as Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and others as a fast and efficient way to connect with interested parties and gather a virtual membership, if not some actual volunteers. In fact, one of the most influential organizations on the Canadian scene, Imagine Canada, has been intensively using social networking over the last two years. During a recent interview, Marnie Grona, marketing and communications director with Imagine, told CharityVillage that to her social networking was "like word-of-mouth...on steroids." Grona is the "dedicated" staffer for social networking at Imagine, which she says she enjoys immensely as she "has an aptitude" for it, even if it adds to her already full plate of responsibilities, she quips. "One of the things [sector organizations] should do is to have somebody who takes ownership" of the social networking portfolio, she counsels. "You have to adjust your communications strategy for each [social network] channel, because each will have its own audience, who in turn will use and share information a little differently." For Grona, the major benefit derived from tapping into the rapid-fire world of social networking is that it comes at virtually no direct financial cost. "We're moving from the monologue to the dialogue." Of course, it does take time to master and to integrate it with other communications channels for maximum effectiveness, Grona cautions. "But it's been a great way to get our message out there...to have conversations with people. Instead of a one-way monologue [of messaging], we can talk with people so they know what we do and what they think about us and what's going on in the sector. We're moving from the monologue to the dialogue." This is probably an apt way to sum up the revolution happening in sector communication strategies across the nation. From small to large organizations, nonprofits are actually talking with - instead of talking at - the populace.
The cycle of social media life…from live event video
footage to YouTube and Facebook to website to third party news story!
Unsurprisingly, many sector organizations have turned to sites such as Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and others as a fast and efficient way to connect with interested parties and gather a virtual membership, if not some actual volunteers. In fact, one of the most influential organizations on the Canadian scene, Imagine Canada, has been intensively using social networking over the last two years. During a recent interview, Marnie Grona, marketing and communications director with Imagine, told CharityVillage that to her social networking was "like word-of-mouth...on steroids." Grona is the "dedicated" staffer for social networking at Imagine, which she says she enjoys immensely as she "has an aptitude" for it, even if it adds to her already full plate of responsibilities, she quips. "One of the things [sector organizations] should do is to have somebody who takes ownership" of the social networking portfolio, she counsels. "You have to adjust your communications strategy for each [social network] channel, because each will have its own audience, who in turn will use and share information a little differently." For Grona, the major benefit derived from tapping into the rapid-fire world of social networking is that it comes at virtually no direct financial cost. "We're moving from the monologue to the dialogue." Of course, it does take time to master and to integrate it with other communications channels for maximum effectiveness, Grona cautions. "But it's been a great way to get our message out there...to have conversations with people. Instead of a one-way monologue [of messaging], we can talk with people so they know what we do and what they think about us and what's going on in the sector. We're moving from the monologue to the dialogue." This is probably an apt way to sum up the revolution happening in sector communication strategies across the nation. From small to large organizations, nonprofits are actually talking with - instead of talking at - the populace.
IMMEDIACY IS A MUST
Unsurprisingly, many sector organizations have turned to sites such as Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and others as a fast and efficient way to connect with interested parties and gather a virtual membership, if not some actual volunteers. In fact, one of the most influential organizations on the Canadian scene, Imagine Canada, has been intensively using social networking over the last two years. During a recent interview, Marnie Grona, marketing and communications director with Imagine, told CharityVillage that to her social networking was "like word-of-mouth...on steroids." Grona is the "dedicated" staffer for social networking at Imagine, which she says she enjoys immensely as she "has an aptitude" for it, even if it adds to her already full plate of responsibilities, she quips. "One of the things [sector organizations] should do is to have somebody who takes ownership" of the social networking portfolio, she counsels. "You have to adjust your communications strategy for each [social network] channel, because each will have its own audience, who in turn will use and share information a little differently." For Grona, the major benefit derived from tapping into the rapid-fire world of social networking is that it comes at virtually no direct financial cost. "We're moving from the monologue to the dialogue." Of course, it does take time to master and to integrate it with other communications channels for maximum effectiveness, Grona cautions. "But it's been a great way to get our message out there...to have conversations with people. Instead of a one-way monologue [of messaging], we can talk with people so they know what we do and what they think about us and what's going on in the sector. We're moving from the monologue to the dialogue." This is probably an apt way to sum up the revolution happening in sector communication strategies across the nation. From small to large organizations, nonprofits are actually talking with - instead of talking at - the populace.
M E A S U R A B L E
R E A L
Unsurprisingly, many sector organizations have turned to sites such as Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and others as a fast and efficient way to connect with interested parties and gather a virtual membership, if not some actual volunteers. In fact, one of the most influential organizations on the Canadian scene, Imagine Canada, has been intensively using social networking over the last two years. During a recent interview, Marnie Grona, marketing and communications director with Imagine, told CharityVillage that to her social networking was "like word-of-mouth...on steroids." Grona is the "dedicated" staffer for social networking at Imagine, which she says she enjoys immensely as she "has an aptitude" for it, even if it adds to her already full plate of responsibilities, she quips. "One of the things [sector organizations] should do is to have somebody who takes ownership" of the social networking portfolio, she counsels. "You have to adjust your communications strategy for each [social network] channel, because each will have its own audience, who in turn will use and share information a little differently." For Grona, the major benefit derived from tapping into the rapid-fire world of social networking is that it comes at virtually no direct financial cost. "We're moving from the monologue to the dialogue." Of course, it does take time to master and to integrate it with other communications channels for maximum effectiveness, Grona cautions. "But it's been a great way to get our message out there...to have conversations with people. Instead of a one-way monologue [of messaging], we can talk with people so they know what we do and what they think about us and what's going on in the sector. We're moving from the monologue to the dialogue." This is probably an apt way to sum up the revolution happening in sector communication strategies across the nation. From small to large organizations, nonprofits are actually talking with - instead of talking at - the populace.
Unsurprisingly, many sector organizations have turned to sites such as Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and others as a fast and efficient way to connect with interested parties and gather a virtual membership, if not some actual volunteers. In fact, one of the most influential organizations on the Canadian scene, Imagine Canada, has been intensively using social networking over the last two years. During a recent interview, Marnie Grona, marketing and communications director with Imagine, told CharityVillage that to her social networking was "like word-of-mouth...on steroids." Grona is the "dedicated" staffer for social networking at Imagine, which she says she enjoys immensely as she "has an aptitude" for it, even if it adds to her already full plate of responsibilities, she quips. "One of the things [sector organizations] should do is to have somebody who takes ownership" of the social networking portfolio, she counsels. "You have to adjust your communications strategy for each [social network] channel, because each will have its own audience, who in turn will use and share information a little differently." For Grona, the major benefit derived from tapping into the rapid-fire world of social networking is that it comes at virtually no direct financial cost. "We're moving from the monologue to the dialogue." Of course, it does take time to master and to integrate it with other communications channels for maximum effectiveness, Grona cautions. "But it's been a great way to get our message out there...to have conversations with people. Instead of a one-way monologue [of messaging], we can talk with people so they know what we do and what they think about us and what's going on in the sector. We're moving from the monologue to the dialogue." This is probably an apt way to sum up the revolution happening in sector communication strategies across the nation. From small to large organizations, nonprofits are actually talking with - instead of talking at - the populace.
Facebook Page
Action!
Reputation! Life!
Look who people are connecting with: influence and behaviour change is unlikely t come from a stranger, but rather from those closest to you!
nonprofitsocialnetworksurvey.com
Linkedin, you might think of it as “Facebook made easy” or “Facebook for adults who don’t want to build a virtual farm”
but it is also a great place for professional development!
Deliberately blurring the lines between new media and traditional media!
THANK YOU! GOODBYE – FOR NOW!
LET’S TURN THIS 90 MINUTES INTO
SOMETHING MUCH MORE
PLEASE CONNECT WITH ME ONLINE AND
KEEP THE CONVERSATION GOING!
www.wellar.ca